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Three Innergex wind farms receive the green light from the Quebec government

^{Published on 2009-06-15 13:23:57, Last Modified on 2009-06-15 13:24:54 - Market Wire}
 

 LONGUEUIL, QC, June 15 /CNW Telbec/ - Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. (TSX: INE) ("Innergex" or the "Corporation") is pleased that the Quebec government has adopted the decree authorizing the construction of three Cartier Wind Energy wind farms, namely the Montagne-Sèche project (58.5 MW) and both phases of the Gros-Morne project (211.5 MW). The Quebec government announced its support of the projects today, emphasizing the important contribution of these projects to local economic development. As stated by Mr. Michel Letellier, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, "Developing partnerships with local communities is a priority in all our projects. We continuously strive to maximize local economic and social benefits while minimizing environmental impact." With construction set to begin in 2010, commercial operation is expected to begin in November 2011 for Montagne-Sèche as well as for the first phase of Gros-Morne. The second phase of Gros-Morne has an expected commercial operation start date in November 2012. The Montagne-Sèche wind farm, consisting of 39 turbines, with a total installed capacity of 58.5 MW, will provide power for the equivalent of 11,000 households. Once its two phases are completed, the Gros-Morne wind farm will include 141 turbines, with a total installed capacity of 211.5 MW, providing power for the equivalent of 40,000 households. Innergex holds 38% of the Cartier projects, in undivided co-ownership and 50% of Cartier Wind Energy, which is responsible for managing the construction and the operation of the wind farms. Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. is a leading developer, owner and operator of run-of-river hydroelectric facilities and wind energy projects in North America. The Corporation's management team has been involved in the renewable power industry since 1990. The Corporation owns a portfolio of projects which consists of: i) interests in three operating facilities with an aggregate net installed capacity of 60.9 MW (gross 140.5 MW); ii) interests in two projects under construction and five projects under development with an aggregate net installed capacity of 197.5 MW (gross 392.3 MW) for which power purchase agreements with public utilities have been secured or which are eligible under the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority Standing Offer Program; and iii) prospective projects of more than 1,600 MW (gross capacity of more than 1,800 MW). Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. also owns 16.1% of the Innergex Power Income Fund, a publicly traded income fund listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "IEF.UN", and acts as its manager under long-term management agreements. Innergex Power Income Fund owns interests in 12 projects in operation, with a total net installed capacity of 210 MW (gross 340 MW). 

For further information: Ms. Edith Ducharme, LL.L., Director, Financial Communications and Investor Relations, Innergex Renewable Energy Inc., (450) 928-2550, ext. 222, [ educharme@innergex.com ]; Mr. Jean Trudel, MBA, Vice President, Financial Communications and Investor Relations, Innergex Renewable Energy Inc., (450) 928-2550, ext. 252, [ jtrudel@innergex.com ]; [ www.innergex.com ]